Came across 1954 classic “Them” on TCM. Apparently standard issue for New Mexico State police back then included sub-machine guns. Hollywood hype? Or just ahead of their time?
I mean, you meet a freakish giant ant in the desert. Pistol fire doesn’t phase it. So the state trooper runs back to the patrol car for extra firepower. Smart move. I’m expecting a shotgun, maybe a rifle. But dude comes back with a sub-machine gun. WHY is that in the trunk?
Fer snakes & such?
Entire prairie dog towns?
I mean, it’s the middle of the New Mexico desert in 1954. Ain’t a lot out there to be needing a sub-machine gun for.
Except giant ants, of course.
Entire prairie dog towns?
I mean, it’s the middle of the New Mexico desert in 1954. Ain’t a lot out there to be needing a sub-machine gun for.
Except giant ants, of course.
One thing I did learn from the movie:
Pistol < giant ant < sub-machine gun.
Pistol < giant ant < sub-machine gun.
Kinda respect that. So many movies these days, the monsters are practically immortal. Here, you just need enough firepower.
#neverbringapistoltoagiantantfight
#neverbringapistoltoagiantantfight
Later, we learn that flamethrowers are also effective. Much better against giant ants than aliens. #flammable
My favorite scene was when the scientist stereotype predicted that if the ants got loose, it meant the extinction of humankind “in a year.” Looks down the table at a colleague for support. Wide-eyed, the junior colleague give a curt nod.
The gathered military officers take the nod as agreement. But in scientist body language, this means “suuuure, duuuude. Pass me some of whatever you’re smoking.”
